Units are shipped flat packed so more homes can be delivered per truck to disaster areas

Can be expanded for larger space requirements with ease in hours

Can be used for residential, military, home office, and school portable applications

Dedicated mechanical and storage space to suit a wide range of needs/wants

Thermodynamically based upon the classic bungalow typology = can be passively cooled in hotter climates

Can be re-used = long term savings

rendering of the full sized 3x dwelling

AbleNook is a rapidly deployable portable structure comprised of interlocking components which can be assembled by unskilled laborers in a short period of time (without tools!). These components are shipped flat-packed in order to maximize the number of families who are helped in disaster areas, while reducing transportation costs and waste.

HOW IT STARTED

Every year, disasters seem to devastate more victims all over the world. In the summer of 2009, in the heat of disheartening news articles and interviews from Hurricane Katrina survivors and more recently Hurricane Sandy victims, I wanted to design a solution that would address the reoccurring problem of disaster relief. I requested assistance from a like minded friend of mine, Jason Ross, and we began a research project to design a solution to disaster relief. Our goal was to address every issue at hand logistically, rethink the problem from cradle to grave, and provide a sign of hope and security to the inhabitants.... when they need it most.

The result of our research and hard work was very rewarding. The positive feedback we received was far greater than we could have ever imagined. We had to take the design further to really explore the possibilities. With the amazing support of the University of South Florida's Division of Patents and Licensing we were able to file for a Patent on the technology, as well as seek out a small grant to construct a working prototype.

The concept shelter, AbleNook, is designed to be a solution that addresses every issue with modular housing. It is designed to be manufactured, assembled, and to take on the harshest of environments...fast.

WHO IS TEAM ABLENOOK

Team AbleNook formed in the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of South Florida. A summer independent study pushed far beyond the end of the semester, which gave rise to an idea we refused to give up on until we made it real. Our team experience is comprised of various disciplines spanning the fields of architecture, engineering, business management, industrial design, and manufacturing. We have united with one mission; to revolutionize the way a dwelling can be manufactured, deployed, and inhabited. A complex problem with one intuitive solution: AbleNook.

MANUFACTURING PLAN

So it's been a
long road but we've completed the fully functional AbleNook Prototype 001.
As with any complex prototype we've put enough thought, care, and sweat-equity
in this project to make Henry Ford blush. We are now revving up to produce the
AbleNook Prototype 002; an even lighter, stronger, more affordable, quicker
to assemble, and straight-up more beautiful version of AbleNook 001.

Your funding
will go towards creating a new proprietary custom die-mold required to form the
lighter, stronger universal structural members. It will fund the creation of a
new lighter breed of composite paneling for the slide-in wall panels. It will help us make
the technological leap required to complete our patent pending pre-wired assembly,
and it will go towards making the production leap necessary to make AbleNook a
completely prefabricated assembly, allowing the design to reach its full
potential.

With
help from you, AbleNook 002 (a completely prefabricated
version of AbleNook 001) will be ready to hit the market by the end of 2013. We
know exactly what we need to do, and we know how to get it done. By funding our
project, you could completely
revolutionize the modular housing industry. Be a part of this and join the AbleNook
Team!

REWARDS

*Reward - AbleNook Team T-Shirt

*Reward - AbleNook Design Book

*Reward - AbleNook Puzzle

*Reward - AbleNook Designer LED Fixture

*Reward - AbleNook Designer Large Crossed LED Fixture

*Reward - AbleNook Mod Doghouse (rendering)

REWARD SAFETY

Please take all appropriate precautions
in regards to the handling and installation of all AbleNook rewards. Some
rewards are assembled from extruded aluminum members and electrical wiring that
could be hazardous if not handled correctly. Some rewards may be subject to
minor modifications prior to distribution.

__________________________________________________________

What if assembling a
home was as simple as assembling the couch you bought from Ikea?

What if a home could
be disassembled and you could take it with you when you moved?

What ifan addition to
your home cost no more than a few flat screen TVs and you could do it
easily in less than a day?

What if you loathe the idea of living in a trailer and want a sturdy, architect designed home instead?

Team AbleNook
doesn't like the question, "what if?", so let's make it happen!

To everyone who
took the time to stop by and hear the idea, we really appreciate it!

Thank you!

Risks and challenges

As with any complex assembly, the design and fabrication of AbleNook has been a very diligent process. Team AbleNook consists of a wide range of disciplines in architectural design, construction, engineering, and industrial design; and we have collaborated with industry leaders in manufacturing who specialize in what we don't. This has been a team effort from the start.

MANUFACTURING OF ABLENOOK
The manufacturing of AbleNook's many custom components has been a huge hurdle. We have been careful through the process of selecting manufacturing partners who:
-Have a consistent reputation for producing a great product,
-Have the facilities, resources, and custom machining capabilities required for all fabrication needs.
-Are creative problem solvers that can work with us on new methods of manufacturing their products.
-Are not only American companies, but also local to Florida, so that we can maintain a hands-on collaborative relationship with all aspects of the manufacturing process to insure the delivered quality and function of all AbleNook rewards and components.
-Have the scalability of production to accommodate our needs as we move toward our goal of a fully prefabricated and deploy-able AbleNook.

CODE REQUIREMENTS OF ABLENOOK
For an AbleNook to be deployed anywhere in the world, it needs to have the capacity to hold up to conditions anywhere in the world. This includes any and all local jurisdictional codes, state codes, and international codes. It makes sense, AbleNook needs to be able to handle it all. Knowing this we have shaped our design to be able to handle the most stringent of codes and the harshest of conditions. Our funding will partially go towards getting several of our patented assemblies approved under both domestic and international assembly testing requirements.

REWARD FULFILLMENT
Team AbleNook wants to keep all of our backers happy! After all, you are all a part of our extended team. To ensure we exceed all of our backers expectations we have:
-Set a realistic time frame to allow for all required manufacturing, fabrication, and assembly of associated rewards.
-Lined up tested and trusted manufacturers whom we know can deliver our quality products on time.
-Limited the number of 'manufacturing intensive' rewards.

FAQ

In response to many questions we've received about private purchasing, we wanted to give everyone a quick breakdown. Pricing is an ongoing process which takes into account many cross-disciplinary industries which are constantly in flux as the design improves!

So how does that compare? The cost of these first, high-end residential versions are approximately less than a FEMA trailer of comparable size. And the mass produced FEMA versions are projected to cost even less. This is also where the value of the AbleNook's design comes into action, as the delivery of an AbleNook requires far less cost than a pre-assembled trailer or prefabricated home. Once delivered on site, there is no need for extensive site preparation, ground leveling, or machinery rental for assembly. These costs are based off the the fabrication and assembly of the built prototype, and as we further develop the AbleNook's components and fabrication methods with our American partners, we look forward to being able to lower these costs even further!

Before pledging this reward backers should know: Backers WILL need to issue a total payment of ($16,000.00-Downpayment) before receiving final AbleNook shelter. Freight Shipping will be included in total AbleNook cost. Assembly is included in total AbleNook cost. Team AbleNook wants to personally meet and thank all of our backers for helping make AbleNook a reality! For backers in this category Team AbleNook will personally travel to where you are and assist in assembling the AbleNook. Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanical systems will NOT be included in total AbleNook cost and are optional. Permitting requirements may exist for the erection of the AbleNook on a backers land. Usually a structure under 120SF is considered an accessory building and is exempt from requiring a permit, but it is up to all backers to contact their local building department and determine if a permit will be required. The AbleNook's insulated walls hold an approximate R16 insulation value. All backers in this category will receive a packet of AbleNook design documents including engineering calculations to keep for their records. All backers in this category will be issued a contract of terms for the receipt of the full size AbleNook.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

An AbleNook named after you!
By pledging this reward, your name will be engraved on the front of a field deployed AbleNook as a hosted sponsor. Be immortalized for helping in disaster relief! Team AbleNook will provide backers in this category with photos of their sponsored AbleNook deployed in the field. Pledges in this Category also receive reward #1

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $75 or more
About $75

AbleNook Design Book. Including initial sketches, design decisions, numerous design iterations, from concept to fabrication. The AbleNook Design Book tracks the evolution of the AbleNook design from beginning to end. Every AbleNook Design Book will include an autographed thank you from the inventors. Pledges in this category will also receive Reward #1.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

Ablenook Birdhouse. Made from our first run beam extrusions and signed by the inventors! This elegant mod-birdhouse is sure to make your neighbors' birds jealous. Deploy it in your backyard in a flash! Pledges in this Category also receive reward #1

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

AbleNook Puzzle. Let us demonstrate the simple logic of how AbleNook snaps together with the AbleNook puzzle. Deploy it yourself in a flash on your home's toughest terrain! Pledges in this category will also receive Reward #1.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

One 4' AbleNook Monumental LED hanging light pendant. Made from our first run parts! This fixture is a full size demonstration of the craft and rigor that is present in every component of AbleNook. Pledges in this category will also receive Reward #1.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,000 or more
About $2,000

One large Cross LED hanging light pendant. Spans 5'! This hanging lamp is a full size demonstration of the craft and rigor that is present in every component of AbleNook. Pledges in this category will also receive Reward #1.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $3,000 or more
About $3,000

AbleNook Modular Dog House. A 7'Lx6'Wx6.5'H modular, LED lit dog house. This elegant mod-doghouse is sure to make your neighbors' birds jealous. Deploy it in your backyard in a flash! Freight shipping is included! Backers in this category will also receive rewards #1 and #3

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

First Edition AbleNook Shelter PREORDER! A FULL SIZE 8'x20'x13'h (64SF Interior, 160SF Total Flooring Surface Area, 10' ceilings) w/ porch, loft, and handcrafted wood floors. Be one of the first to experience the Ablenook! Each first edition AbleNook Prototype will be personally erected by Team Ablenook at the backer's site, and lunch is on us! This is a downpayment on the the first addition AbleNook, the total cost will be $16k and your pledge amount will be directly subtracted from the total cost of your very own AbleNook. Refer to main page for additional information on this reward. Backers in this category will also receive rewards #1 and #3.